Tag Archives: tension

Back pain is far more common than many realise.

Posted on by

In fact, recent figures suggest that up to 80% of people in the UK will experience it at some point in their lives. Currently, an estimated 10 million individuals across the country are living with back pain.

According to research by the British Chiropractic Association, cases surged by around a third during the pandemic, largely due to lifestyle changes and reduced physical activity. Despite this rise, only 1 in 10 people sought help from a GP or chiropractor while nearly half (46%) took no action at all to manage their symptoms.

These numbers highlight an ongoing issue: many people are continuing to live with back pain well into 2024 and 2025.

The good news? There are simple, daily habits you can adopt to help reduce symptoms and prevent back pain from developing into a more serious musculoskeletal condition.

1. Start the Day Right

Incorporate movement in your daily routine: walking, yoga, swimming, or more intense exercise. Short and frequent exercise is recommended, 15-20 minutes 2-3 times a day. If you’re doing moderate to high-intensity workouts, take a 5–10 minute warm-up first to prepare your muscles and reduce injury risk. If a previous injury affects your activity, adapt the exercise or seek professional advice.

2. Take Regular Breaks

If your work involves sitting for long periods, make a point of standing up and moving around every 20–30 minutes. Even gentle pelvic tilts, trunk rotations, and shoulder rolls can help offset the strain of prolonged sitting . Sit-stand desks are the gold standard, work intermittently sitting and standing to avoid the prolonged physical stresses of immobility.

3. Lift Smart

Planning some DIY or heavy lifting over Summer?

  • Bend at the knees, not the waist.
  • Keep your load close to your body and face the direction you’re moving.
  • Lift at a steady pace, and if it’s too heavy, ask for help or use lifting aids.

These simple techniques help protect your back and core during heavy lifting.
Bur most importantly, ENGAGE YOUR CORE!

4. Sleep Comfortably

Experts recommend replacing your mattress every seven to ten years, to ensure ongoing support and comfort.

5. Seek Support Early

If your back or joint pain:

  • Lasts more than two weeks, or
  • Affects your daily routine,

…it’s best to seek professional advice, visit The Reading Chiropractor for help and advice. Chiropractors are trained to treat musculoskeletal issues and can help relieve pain, improve mobility, and prevent further problems.

Start your journey to a healthier and stronger body today!

Contact us on – 01189 39 40 40
or admin@reading-chiropractor.co.uk

Unlocking better sleep with chiropractic care

Posted on by

Unlocking better sleep: How chiropractic care helps alleviates chronic pain.

Chronic pain is a persistent issue that affects millions of people worldwide. For many, this pain can profoundly impact everyday activities, including one of the most essential aspects of life: sleep. If you’re struggling to find relief and restful nights, integrating chiropractic care into your routine might be the answer you’ve been seeking.

Understanding the connection between pain and sleep

Chronic pain can create a vicious cycle. Pain disrupts your ability to get a good night’s rest, and, in turn, the lack of quality sleep makes coping with pain even more challenging. It’s a cycle that can leave you feeling fatigued, irritable, and unable to function at your best. So, how can chiropractic care help break this cycle?

Alleviating pain naturally

By focusing on the body’s musculoskeletal system, chiropractors can help:

  • Reduce muscle tension: Tension in muscles and soft tissues can lead to discomfort and restrict movement. Chiropractic adjustments can help ease this tension, allowing your body to relax, which is crucial for a good night’s sleep.
  • Enhance mobility: When pain limits movement, it becomes difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. By improving mobility, chiropractic care allows for better positioning during sleep, reducing the likelihood of waking up due to discomfort.
  • Sleep ergonomic advice: chiropractors are trained to educate on good sleep ergonomics, such as correct postures for optimum bed rest, dietary and behavioural habits to aid and promote good sleep patterns and optimise sleep.

After chiropractic treatments, patients often feel relaxed as well as their tension has been reduced which can aid with falling asleep.

Improving overall wellness

Chiropractors take a holistic approach to health, considering how various systems in the body interact. Chronic pain management through chiropractic care often involves lifestyle recommendations, including:

  • Exercise guidance: Gentle exercises can strengthen muscles and support joint function, reducing the overall burden of pain.
  • Posture coaching: Educating patients on body mechanics can prevent strain and discomfort both during the day and while trying to rest at night.
  • Nutrition advice: A balanced diet can play a significant role in reducing inflammation, another contributor to chronic pain.

A tailored approach

Every individual experiences pain differently, and chiropractors recognize this by creating personalized treatment plans. Whether you have back pain, neck discomfort, or headaches, your chiropractor will work with you to develop a strategy that targets your specific challenges.

Your journey to restful sleep

If chronic pain is robbing you of restful nights, consider visiting a chiropractor. With a focus on holistic healing, chiropractic care offers a natural and effective way to alleviate pain and enhance your overall well-being. As you reduce discomfort, you may find it easier to drift off and stay asleep, leading to improved energy and productivity during the day.

Remember, the journey to better sleep starts with taking steps towards managing your pain. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help; a chiropractor is ready to guide you every step of the way to a pain-free, restful night. Take control of your sleep and, in turn, your life!

Why Chiropractors are Essential for Athletes

Posted on by

As the world of sports continues to evolve, athletes are constantly seeking new ways to enhance their performance, prevent injuries, and recover faster. Among the varied healthcare professionals dedicated to supporting athletes, chiropractors play a crucial role. Below, is how chiropractic care can benefit athletes and elevate their performance on the field, court, or track.

  1. Enhancing Performance

Dysfunction in the joints, ligaments and muscles can hinder an athlete’s performance by causing discomfort and limiting mobility. By correcting these using different types of spinal adjustments, chiropractors can help athletes achieve better posture, improve range of motion, and enhance overall physical performance. When the spine is properly restored to its normal function, the body can operate more effectively, allowing athletes to train harder and perform better.

  1. Injury Prevention

Injuries are an unfortunate reality for many athletes, but chiropractors can help minimize the risk of injury. By focusing on the biomechanics of the body, chiropractors can identify areas of weakness or misalignment that might predispose an athlete to injury. Through tailored chiropractic adjustments and rehabilitation exercises, athletes can strengthen vulnerable areas and maintain balance, reducing the likelihood of injuries happening in the first place.

  1. Faster Recovery

When injuries do occur, a chiropractor can play a pivotal role in the recovery process. Chiropractic care not only alleviates pain but through the treatment and advice chiropractors can help promote healing by improving circulation and reducing inflammation. Techniques such as soft tissue therapy and rehabilitation exercises can enhance the recovery timeline, allowing athletes to return to their sport faster and stronger than before.

  1. Stress Relief and Mental Focus

Athletic performance isn’t just about physical prowess; mental clarity and focus are equally important. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help release tension, promote relaxation, and improve overall well-being. With the stressors athletes face, be it competition pressure or rigorous training schedules, this mental boost can lead to improved concentration, enabling athletes to perform at their best.

  1. Personalized Care Plans

Every athlete has unique needs, and chiropractors are trained to develop personalized care plans that cater specifically to an athlete’s goals and challenges. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a professional athlete, your chiropractor will conduct a thorough assessment, considering your sport, training regimen, and historical injuries. This kind of approach ensures that you receive the most effective care tailored to your specific situation, keeping you in top shape.

  1. Collaboration with Other Healthcare Providers

Chiropractors often work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals; including physiotherapists, massage therapists, and nutritionists. This multidisciplinary approach to athletic care ensures that athletes receive the comprehensive support they need. Whether it’s injury management, nutrition advice, or performance enhancement, a chiropractor can be a central piece in the athlete’s healthcare puzzle.

Final Thoughts

Athletes, whether amateur or professional, face unique challenges that require specialized care. Chiropractic care is an invaluable tool in enhancing performance, preventing injuries, and ensuring a speedy recovery. With a focus on spinal alignment, injury prevention, personalized care, and holistic wellness, chiropractors are uniquely qualified to help all athletes unlock their full potential.